Lex Gold to continue with TV deal discussions as new SPL chief takes a back seat

NEW SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster says he will take a back seat in negotiations over a television deal and allow Lex Gold to push on with his attempts to secure the best package for our top clubs.

Meanwhile Disney-owned network ESPN have continued to strengthen their foothold in British sport by winning the live rights to show 46 Premier League matches in the Republic of Ireland next season.

The deal is the penultimate sale of live Premier League rights formerly held by Setanta and are for the same matches that ESPN will show in the UK.

Broadcasters have now been invited to bid for the final package of rights formerly held by Setanta - for live Saturday 3pm kick-offs to be shown in Ireland next season.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "The Premier League is extremely pleased that ESPN has invested in our broadcast rights for the Republic of Ireland.

"They have a formidable worldwide reputation and we have great confidence in their ability to provide football fans with first-rate coverage and programming."

ESPN announced yesterday they will launch a new channel in Britain to exploit their new Premier League rights. It will operate as a 'top-up' option on Sky's platform, and Sky Sports' in-house production team will act as producers for the Premier League matches for ESPN.